Originally Posted by BlueDog (Post 351510)

My father always said once the dogwoods bloom it's blackfish time! I'm ready...

Art

Originally Posted by shucker (Post 351525)

For whats its worth here's my input.Every year first keeper caught around march 15th for me,0 fish caught this year,the fall was the worst in memory only had one good day out of a few dozen trips,I fish the raritan river regularly and there are no stripers in it,usually its loaded with little guys.The pics I'm seeing of fish caught this year are all resident fish not migrating fish.Everybody has there opinions and mine is we are on big down cycle.Yes fish will be caught and there will be great days but not like it used to be.

Originally Posted by Capt Sal Cathy Sea Charters (Post 351428)

Looking at log books from ten years ago and more they are pretty much the same. We started to catch bass on or near April 21.Clamming and trolling worked best. On or near May 1 we switched over to bunker chunking. soon after it is live lining as the water gets even warmer and the bass are less lethargic. I am strictly talking about Raritan Bay and Princess Bay. In my opinion the later this run starts the better. If they come early they leave early. Last year was a good year and a normal year in the bay. It did not start too early and lasted thru the whole month of June. We are all anxious to get started but in reality it is still early. Does anyone agree with me on this?:):

Originally Posted by Type R Teggy (Post 351572)

Ive been out 3 time and like i said got 4 keepers to show for. And as for last fall they didnt make a heavy appearance in jersey but if you went to long island you hook up all day long for 2 months straight! Its a big ocean they have lots of places to be